A Comprehensive Look at My Lovely Boxer 2023
A Comprehensive Look at My Lovely Boxer 2023
In-Depth Review of 'My Lovely Boxer'
Explore every aspect of ‘My Lovely Boxer’ in this comprehensive review. Dive into character insights, strengths, and weaknesses. If you haven’t seen the drama yet and are looking for a spoiler-free review, check out the link below.
Spoiler Alert!
Warning: This review contains major spoilers for the Korean drama ‘My Lovely Boxer’. Proceed with caution if you have not yet watched the series.
Key plot points and character developments will be discussed in detail.
Reading further may reveal significant story elements that could affect your viewing experience.
Series Details
General Information
Air Date: August 21 – October 2, 2023
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Viki
Genre: Romantic Sports Drama
Starring: Lee Sang Yeob and Kim So Hye
Story Summary
'My Lovely Boxer': Retribution and a Final Journey
A teenager boxer whose sudden rise through the ranks took the nation by storm, suddenly disappears before her eagerly anticipated match. Now, 3 years later, she is living a quiet life as a kindergarten teacher with no intention of ever getting back in the ring. When a crafty sports agent shows up at her job, promising he can help her officially retire from boxing and finally put the sport behind her once and for all with just 3 matches, she hopes she can trust him to keep his word. But first, she needs to get back into fighting shape and find a way to step foot back into the fighting ring she hates so much.
Kim tae young and lee kwon Sook
Exploring the Leads
Lee Sang Yeob as Kim Tae Young
Kim Tae Young's Story
Kim Tae Young is a successful sports agent known for pushing his clients into retirement. When his high school mentor and longest standing client gets involved with a match fixing ring, he steps up to help his friend get out of the mess. Now he needs an athlete willing to throw a match and guarantee the crime boss a landslide profit.
Tae Young sets his sights on a young boxer who has been in hiding for 3 years. He promises her that if she will participate in just 3 more fights, losing the last one, he will help her retire and leave the world of boxing behind. But as Tae Young supports her through her training, he is plagued by doubt about whether he is doing the right thing, even if it is what his client wants.
Kim Tae Young's Character
Kim Tae Young had hoped to play major league baseball himself. But a career ending injury left him sitting on the side lines. So he used his sports knowledge to help other athletes by becoming an agent. And although many athletes distrust him, those who know him well see him as loyal and caring. I love Lee Sang Yeob, and the emotion he brought to this role was well-done. Although the age difference was pretty substantial, I thought he was perfect as Kim Tae Young.
Kim So Hye as Lee Kwon Sook (Yu Ri)
Lee Kwon Sook's Story
Lee Kwon Sook’s father forced his daughter into boxing when he couldn’t make a success of it himself. And although she quickly rose up the ranks, she always hated being in the ring. So, the day before her championship fight, she runs away and goes into hiding. But when her location is leaked to the press, she is desperate to make a clean break from the sport, once and for all.
Tae Young offers her a way to do that. All she needs to do is participate in three fights. But in order to win her first two, she is going to need to do some intense training to get back into fighting shape. And as Tae Young supports her through the difficult process of facing her greatest fears and stepping back into a boxing ring for the final time, she finds herself hoping their relationship won’t have to end with her career.
Lee Yu Ri's Character
Lee Kwon Sook lost her mother when she was young and grew up with a controlling father who pushed her beyond her limits, both physically and emotionally. She never wanted to be a boxer in the first place, and she certainly doesn’t want to go back now. But the promise of putting it all behind her and the support of Tae Young make it all seem worthwhile. Kim So Hye also gave a beautiful, emotional performance. You really feel the complexity of her vulnerability, but also her inner strength. I enjoyed watching her character grow and develop during the course of the drama.
Supporting Cast Insights
Meet the Secondary Cast
Kim Hyung Mook as Lee Cheol Yong
Lee Cheol Yong is Kwon Sook’s father. He is a determined man and an often cruel coach. He is living vicariously through the success of his daughter, and has been unconcerned about what she wants for her own life. But having her run away and live in hiding for three years has given him a lot of time to think about his actions.
Ha Seung Ri as Jung Soo Yeon
Jung Soo Yeon is a sports agent competing against Tae Young for clients. She was once Tae Young’s client and his girlfriend, but he ended both relationships at the same time when Soo Yeon retired from golf. The break-up nearly destroyed both of them, and although Soo Yeon would like to reconcile, Tae Young has moved on.
Kim Jin Woo as Han Jae Min
Han Jae Min is the son of the owner at the kindergarten “Yu Ri” works for. Yu Ri has always had a crush on him, but when she finally gets the courage to confess her feelings, he turns her down. After he finds out that she is Lee Kwon Sook, he pursues her with the intent to work as her agent and get rich off her career. Little does he know she has no intention of staying in the world of boxing.
Highlights of 'My Lovely Boxer'
What I Loved About the Drama
Honest Conflicts and Development
This drama hinged on the emotional conflicts and growth of its characters. And the outstanding acting from the lead cast really succeeded in showing this. The characters were honestly flawed and emotionally relatable. I loved how much both of the leads were able to mature and change through the process of the drama. We saw real anguish that led them to a better, stronger place.
Ah Reum
Ah Reum’s character in this drama was both well-written and well-played. The actress did a great job and I loved that she was portrayed as an “opponent” but not an enemy. And the fact that, despite Kwon Sook’s best efforts, Ah Reum came out the winner was a bit surprising but so well-deserved.
Plot and Themes
The plot of this drama was complex and well-designed. I enjoyed the story, and although the theme of healing is common these days, this one stood out to me as particularly well-done. These characters didn’t just magically decide everything was better. They worked through a painful process to come out on the other side of their despair, and it was both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Critiques of 'My Lovely Boxer'
What I Didn't Love About the Drama
Jae Min
Okay, no offense to Kim Jin Woo, but Han Jae Min was definitely a weak link in this drama for me. I didn’t love his acting or the character he played. The character felt wooden and shallow, and it was hard to see what any teacher there, watching his lazy approach to his job and life, would see in him. And I’m sorry but Ah Reum is way too good for him.
Hee Won's Death
I kind of wish they had gone a less extreme route with Hee Won’s character. I get that he had to cause Tae Young to be in debt and help bring Tae Young to rock-bottom so his character could grow. But I think having Hee Won be forced into retirement, especially since people already accuse Tae Young of doing that, would have been enough to bring Tae Young to an emotional crisis. But seeing his suicide and the family he left behind was a real kick in the gut.
Villain Plot Development
I really loved the lead characters’ stories, but the villain/match-fixing ring plot felt a bit weak for me. There isn’t enough development into who Kim Oh Bok is or where he came from. His power-base and influence were vague and I didn’t really understand his motives most of the time. I mean, sure, he is all about making a profit, but it seems like there should be more to his character than that.
The Conclusion of 'My Lovely Boxer'
Drama Ending Explained
‘My Lovely Boxer’ brings everything together for a happy ending. Although Kwon Sook decides not to throw her final match, it comes down to a tie and the judges award the win to Ah Reum. This is for the best, since Ah Reum wants to go on with her career, while Kwon Sook was going to retire anyway. Kim Tae Young makes sure that Kwon Sook gets to give her all for her final time in the ring before turning himself in.
One year later, we find Kwon Sook helping her dad teach the young kids while studying for her horticulture certificate. Tae Young hasn’t been in contact, but she is waiting for him. Ah Reum is training to be a champ in all four boxing associations. And when Jae Min comes in as a new agent, he does a bit of flirting that hints at a possible future. Yuck!! Ho Joong is training for a comeback, and dating Ah Ra.
Tae Young has served his time and is released early to help the police catch Oh Bok. And all the hard work finally pays off when Oh Bok is arrested. Only then does Tae Young allow himself to read all of Kwon Sook’s messages from the last year. The final scene shows Kwon Sook out for her daily run. But this time, Tae Young is waiting for her. After punching him, she accepts Tae Young’s apology and boldly demands he show her with more than just words. The drama ends with the couple finally sharing a kiss.
Personal Insights
Reflecting on 'My Lovely Boxer'
‘My Lovely Boxer’ is a romantic sports drama. I really appreciated the complex characters, the unique theme, and the heartwarming story. This is a charming, slow-burn drama that takes its characters through an intense emotional journey that highlights redemption and new beginnings. Lee Sang Yeob gives an amazing performance as the shifty agent with a heart of gold.
But this drama isn’t for everyone. It is purposefully slow paced and the trauma experienced by the leads isn’t always easy to watch, with subjects like emotional abuse and suicide. There is a small amount of violence, both in and out of the ring, although it is not extreme. Also, the leads are 16 years apart as well as being in an agent/athlete relationship. And while the romance and skinship is subtle, some people seem to have an issue with that. But for me, it was an enjoyable series with genuine characters and a talented cast. I give ‘My Lovely Boxer’ an 9 out of 10 ramen.
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